Gu Family Book: Episode 10

It’s time for the big heist and the big reveal, but what I didn’t expect was the big laugh. Between Yeo-wool getting outed and Kang-chi playing Ocean’s Eleven, the episode goes by pretty quickly, especially when the good guys’ plan goes sideways about seventeen different ways. That probably has something to do with the fact that there are about four good-guy plans being enacted at the same time, because good guys don’t like to communicate.

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EPISODE 10 RECAP

While hiding in Lord Park’s secret storage room, Kang-chi cops an accidental feel. Yeo-wool just stands there, frozen, until they finally come to their senses and break free in an explosion of awkward.

There’s no time for you’re-not-a-real-boy explanations though, because Evil Minion is shouting at Gon to move aside so he can remove the painting that Jo Gwan-woong likes so much… the painting that also hides the door to the secret compartment.

It slides back like a false wall, with another plain wall behind it. It doesn’t look overtly suspicious, but the minion knocks against it and gives it a shove, but since Kang-chi and Yeo-wool are just on the other side pushing back, it doesn’t budge.

He still finds it suspicious enough to go report to his boss, and orders his men to guard the area for now, and tells the contractor to stop all work on the flooring. Ah, to trap our leads inside? Clunky, but I guess it does the job.

It definitely makes their awkwardness even more awkward, since they have nowhere to run away from each other. Kang-chi just keeps looking down at his hand like it’s got ‘xplainin’ to do.

Master Dam and Tae-seo get word about the hiccup in their plans, and get to work on a contingency plan.

Meanwhile, Chung-jo is made to sit in front of Jo Gwan-woong as he leers to his heart’s content, and she asks if what he wants to see is her biting her own tongue before his eyes. She grits her teeth and says that she won’t waste her life pathetically that way.

Soo-ryun comes to rescue her with the same defense (that she’s just a trainee and not a gisaeng yet) but Jo Gwan-woong counters that he won’t lay a hand on her until she’s officially a gisaeng… so in exchange she should allow him to look at her all he wants. Ewwww.

Chung-jo follows Soo-ryun to her room, where she begs not to be made to sit in front of the bastard that killed her father, but Soo-ryun tells her that if this is her lot in life, she has to deal with it.

Chung-jo would rather die, but Soo-ryun tells her that all of this is her opportunity to do something about the injustices she’s suffered. She cries that she’ll hate Soo-ryun for this, and the wise madam counters that if that keeps her going, she’ll be the object of her hate anytime.

Soo-ryun receives an urgent letter, and upon reading it, she orders her people to swap out Jo Gwan-woong’s liquor—they must do whatever it takes to keep him here for the next four days. They wonder what it’s about, and she shows them Dam Pyung-joon’s symbol on the envelope. Aw yeah.

They succeed in serving him the extra special liquor, and keep him distracted enough to intercept his minion’s message, and they tell the minion he was ordered to wait outside. I don’t know if this’ll last four days, but let’s hope it works long enough to get them out.

Kang-chi and Yeo-wool sit in silence, and then it’s a round of simultaneous “Hey…” and “No, you first…” and back to silence. Kang-chi can’t stand it anymore and starts needlessly counting the chests of silver just to say something.

But he notices that Yeo-wool is looking worse, and takes off his outer layer to keep her warm. She cringes when he brushes against her arm, so he rips her sleeve (for all the clothing removal that’s going on, it’s not as sexy as it sounds) and discovers her infected wound.

He asks how she got hurt, which she doesn’t answer. But then he remembers that it was because of him, when he wolfed out and knocked her back the other night. He says they have to get out of here before it gets worse, but she argues that they’ll lose everything if they leave now.

Kang-chi doesn’t see how a human life is worth more than all this money, but she sees it as more than money—it’s ships, and naval defense, and winning wars. She says she can’t live with herself if they lose that because of her.

So then it’s a waiting game on both sides. Jo Gwan-woong gets really tipsy and stumbles over to Chung-jo. As he caresses her face, he says, “I’ve never once forgotten you, Seo-hwa…”

And then he leans in to kiss her. Augh, make it stop. Make it stop. Make it stop. She turns away just in time, and thank goodness he’s too drunk to do anything about it, and passes out in her lap.

His head minion storms in and demands that he be woken up, but he’s too far gone, and Soo-ryun tells him to come back in the morning. Phew, one crisis averted.

Chung-jo can barely stand as she walks back to her room. She stops in the courtyard at the shower of flower petals coming down that remind her of kissing Kang-chi, and she sheds a tear.

Tae-seo gets up and grabs a sword, and marches out purposefully. Uh… can we maybe put him on a leash until he stops trying to kill people?

It instantly triggers his memory, and now he puts it all together—the little girl he saved from the dog, her knowing about his fear of spiders, her question about whether or not he remembered her. He even recalls her rescue that night, when they met under the crescent moon.

She starts to pass out and he runs over to catch her, as all the memories sink in and he realizes who she is. She faints and falls back in his arms, and her topknot comes out (which pffffft—that thing doesn’t come undone when she’s fighting an army of ninjas, but it does now). But it’s her feverish forehead that Kang-chi notices, and he starts to panic.

Master Dam notices that Tae-seo is missing, but by the time they discover it, he’s already standing outside the Hundred Year Inn. He just walks right inside, which seems like a really bad idea, and tells a servant to give Gon a message that he’ll keep the guards distracted while he rescues the people trapped inside.

Oh phew, at least he’s not complicating matters with murderous thoughts, but couldn’t someone less high-profile have been the distraction guy? Say, someone who didn’t escape jail recently?

But it’s too late to go back now, and Tae-seo draws out every last guard, buying Gon the time to get Kang-chi and Yeo-wool out. He comes in to find Yeo-wool passed out in Kang-chi’s arms, and cuts him off angrily before he can say anything.

He runs in calling her Yeo-wool agasshi because he’s so worried, but it does feel like suddenly no one’s keeping her secret. He carries her away, as Kang-chi says he took care of the immediate threat, and then looks down at his hand, which now has a cut in it. Hm.

Gon gets Yeo-wool to a cart so she can be taken back first, and then joins Tae-seo in the fight. Meanwhile, Kang-chi finds his old friend Ok-man and asks for his help with something in the vault.

Tae-seo tells Gon to go ahead without him because he has unfinished business here, and even though that seems like a terrible idea, Gon listens and leaves him to fight all those men alone. Whaaa?

But as soon as the head minion arrives, Tae-seo falls to his knees with a splitting headache. The spell comes on stronger than ever, and he remembers what Master Dam told him—the only way to break it is if the person who cast it un-casts it, or he dies. I vote Option 2.

Tae-seo announces that it’s why he came here, and runs at the guy full-force with his sword raised. But it stops right at his throat, like there’s an invisible wall protecting him. Tae-seo struggles against it with all his strength, but it won’t move, and the minion scoffs that he can’t kill him.

What’s more is that Tae-seo seems unable to act against this guy’s commands, and when he demands to know the real reason he’s here, Tae-seo can’t believe it as he raises his own finger to point towards the vault. Head Minion finally cracks open the hidden door and discovers the mountain of treasure inside, and poor Tae-seo crumbles to the ground in tears.

Master Dam gets the pitiful report from Gon, that they lost the treasure AND Tae-seo, and that now Jo Gwan-woong’s men are guarding the vault like a fortress. But one man pipes up that it’s not truly over yet, because they do still have one man inside.

Cut to Kang-chi, peering out from behind a crate with a mischievous grin.

Teacher Gong tends to Yeo-wool, and says that she’ll be better in no time. Master Dam asks if he’s the one who sent Kang-chi to the Hundred Year Inn, and Teacher Gong remains cryptic and cheeky: “All I did was make a bet with him…”

Inside the vault, Kang-chi stretches, cracks a few knuckles, and says aloud, “Shall we begin, you old fogey?”

At the crack of dawn, Head Minion demands to see Jo Gwan-woong, and reports that he found Park Mu-sol’s secret storage room. As they arrive at the inn, the servants are loading up two big carts with sacks of grain, saying that they give food to feed the navy every year. Ha, nice.

The carts set off on their journey and Jo Gwan-woong heads inside, giddy like a little kid at Christmas. He insists on going into the vault alone, but as soon as he steps inside, he screams for his minion.

He rushes in to find the room cleaned out of every last piece of silver that was in there. Awesome. The bad news is they catch on to the food delivery bait-n-switch right away, and though the servants don’t break, the guards are ordered to go straight to the naval base.

Lee Soon-shin comes out to face Jo Gwan-woong, who says that something of his got delivered by accident along with the grain, and insists on having his men inspect the carts themselves. The officers protest, but Lee Soon-shin allows it.

They tear into the sacks… and they’re filled with grains, as advertised.

Back in the vault, servant Choi heads down and calls for Kang-chi, who pops out and removes the giant tarp he took from the construction site… and behind it is the massive fortune, hidden right under their noses all this time. Lol.

Lee Soon-shin sighs at the loss of grain that could’ve fed his men, and Jo Gwan-woong retorts arrogantly that he’ll send the same amount to replace it, scoffing at the need to feed an army when the country isn’t at war.

Lee Soon-shin growls at his men to pick up every last grain from the ground because it comes from the sweat and hard work of the people of Joseon, and tells Jo Gwan-woong that from this day forward the navy will not accept a single drop from the Hundred Year Inn. He orders his men to escort them out.

Jo Gwan-woong turns to go when a familiar voice calls out to them. It’s Kang-chi, who greets them happily and tsk-tsks at wasting precious food like that. He’s got three giant carts behind him, and says with a smile that he’s here on an errand from the late Lord Park.

And then he just waltzes the giant carts of silver right past them, because he can. Ha. I love it.

They can do nothing but stand there and watch the money wheeled by, because they have no claim to it, and they can’t even take it by force. The head minion lurches at Kang-chi, but an officer has a sword at his throat in no time.

He says he had that vault surrounded so that no one could go in or out, so how did Kang-chi do it? Kang-chi leans in: “Didn’t you know? I’m not a person.” He leaves Jo Gwan-woong fuming, and it’s pretty damn satisfying.

Lee Soon-shin thanks Kang-chi for keeping his promise, and Kang-chi says fulfilling Lord Park’s last will is naturally his duty. And then he asks hesitantly, “About that proof I asked for…”

Cut to Teacher Gong, admiring Lee Soon-shin’s hat in wonder. Kang-chi swells up proudly, “See, this is how close we are!” It cracks me up that Kang-chi really was motivated by this bet. Kitchen fogey is officially a genius.

Teacher Gong fondles the hat lovingly and puts it on like a little fanboy and asks how it looks. Kang-chi: “Can I just buy you a different hat?” He asks the teacher to be careful with it, since he has to return it tomorrow.

The old man asks what Kang-chi wants for his wish, since he did win the bet, and Kang-chi rubs his hands together gleefully as the lid to a pot opens…

Samgetang? Hahahahaha. He moved 5000 nyang of silver for Lee Soon-shin to build his turtle ships… so he could get samgetang? Hahaha. I’m dying. In his defense, it looks like one tasty chicken.

He tears into it, calling to the chicken lovingly, and there they sit, Kang-chi gnawing on a chicken leg and Teacher Gong flaunting his Lee Soon-shin hat, like a pair of idiots… who maybe just saved a country.

Master Dam and Gon watch them from afar, and wonder if maybe Lee Soon-shin was right about Kang-chi all along, or if he’s molding him that way.

Jo Gwan-woong brings Tae-seo out and sets him free, but orders him to return with news of what Lee Soon-shin is doing with the silver.

Tae-seo says he’d rather die than be their dog, but Jo Gwan-woong says if he doesn’t do as he’s told, it’s his sister Chung-jo who was sold as a gisaeng, who will pay the consequences.

Wait, is this the first he’s learning of this? That seems like a gross oversight. It must be, because Tae-seo goes to the gisaeng house and cries to see his sister carrying a tray of liquor and apologizing to guests after a spill.

Yeo-wool wakes up and wonders how she got home, and runs out to greet Kang-chi, and then stops short, remembering the awkward touching. She covers her chest and turns around, but he spots her and runs over to feel her forehead.

He seems completely unruffled, still calling her Dam-gun and feeling her forehead like it’s no big deal. She whirls around and asks about the silver, worrying that it all went wrong because of her.

He suddenly leans in close like he’s going to kiss her, and quips, “See, this is why I was so completely fooled. Other women wouldn’t be worried about the silver before everything else, no?” She thinks about it for a second and continues her line of questioning anyway.

He assures her that he delivered it all safely, and she beams, petting him on the head like a puppy. I love that when they’re distracted it’s like nothing has changed, but now they have that belated realization every few seconds after they touch. She pulls away quickly.

Kang-chi thinks back to their conversation, when she had said that their first meeting would have no meaning if he didn’t remember it, and he had asked, “And if I do remember it? Does it have meaning then?” He doesn’t say anything about remembering yet.

She notices the cut in his hand and asks how he got hurt. Was it because of her? Flashback to inside the vault, after she had passed out. Kang-chi notices a few blue lights float into her wound, and gets an idea.

He takes out a dagger and cuts his hand, and squeezes a few drops of his blood into her wound… and the blue lights follow, and multiply, and heal her arm completely, as he watches in wonder. Nifty.

Yeo-wool guesses that he did get hurt because of her, but he tells her not to worry about it, and doesn’t give her details. She tells him not to do it again: “I don’t want you to get hurt because of me either.”

They share a lingering gaze and then Tae-seo comes looking for Kang-chi, blindfolded to keep him from getting stabby.

At the gisaeng house, Jo Gwan-woong tells Soo-ryun that he changed his mind, and he wants to sleep with Chung-jo, tonight. Ugh with the skin crawls, this guy. What’s worse is that Chung-jo is there to hear it. Her knees give out and she falls to the floor.

Back at the school, Tae-seo says he has a favor to ask of Kang-chi, and pleads with him to rescue Chung-jo. He gets down on his knees: “I beg of you, Kang-chi-ya, please save her!”

Kang-chi stands there, stunned, not knowing what to do. And behind a pillar, Yeo-wool whirls around, having overheard.

COMMENTS

I sort of love that there’s no big to-do about Yeo-wool being a girl. He doesn’t get all angsty about it because they’re just friends, so he’s just the idiot who didn’t know, which is pretty much how we felt about it as viewers. All the crossdressing hijinks with none of the angst? I’ll take it. I don’t care much about the fact that they knew each other as children, but I am glad that he figured out that Yeo-wool was the one who saved him that first night under the peach blossom tree. It’s nice to see that they have a friendship that grows out of mutual concern, and isn’t greatly altered by the fact that she’s not a boy. Though I suppose in the grand scheme of things, if she accepted his gumiho-ness, him being cool about her girl parts doesn’t really compare.

It’s a bit frustrating to go back and forth with Chung-jo’s arc because once she made her decision to stay at the gisaeng house, I liked where we were going with her character and Soo-ryun, as figures outside the confines of strict noble society. Her searching for a way to survive, maybe even dreaming of a different life for a woman that isn’t defined by nobility—all such good stuff. But it goes out the window every time Jo Gwan-woong comes around and leers at her, because I just want her to drive a fork in his eye and say to hell with it. I just hope we don’t go back to square one with Tae-seo wanting Kang-chi to rescue her, even though I obviously want her to get away from Creeps McGee.

This show tends to falter when it tries to be too serious or too dark, but it has a nice sweet spot in the cheeky comedy and the whimsical supernatural element—it does well with the magic, and it’d be nice to have more of it. The being trapped together is always an eye-roller of a trope (It’s really hard to meet a drama that does that well) but at least we earn something out of it in this episode. Kang-chi’s healing blood is a biggie, and I much prefer this kind of discovery, where he figures things out as he goes, instead of being told by the Exposition Monk what he can and cannot do.

The heist moved things along swiftly, and I really enjoyed Kang-chi’s big hero moment in this episode, where he finally gets to do something right for the good guys and gain some trust. But my favorite thing is that it’s then undercut with the bet and the utter ridiculousness of the pair of knuckleheads enjoying their spoils of battle, with zero concern for all the pomp and circumstance that’s going on around them. I just love that stuff. It was this great Zeppo moment—behind the scenes Lee Soon-shin is building turtle ships and making history, and in the foreground a half-gumiho and an old fogey are having a grand ol’ time with a chicken and a hat. Now that’s comedy.

May 7, 2013 at 8:04 PM

May 8, 2013 at 12:20 PM

UNREGISTERED

Another long commentary... Show, what are you doing to me?

Thank you GF for the recap! I loved this episode, which made me pump my fist in the air, squee and awww. It also kept , me on the edge of my seat during certain scenes, and my blood pressure went up, from being so anxious. This episode felt very satisfying (except for the ending), and I found myself pondering many things after I watched it. I will get my questions out of the way first:

A—What is a Zeppo moment? I googled it, and it seems to be a reference to epi. 13 of season 3 of Buffy, the TV show. Is that what GF was referring to? Any explanation about it would be appreciated (and I know, I am not up on all the pop culture analogies and references. Just as a thought, not everyone grew up in the US or has watched all or most of the shows and movies pertaining to the American pop culture, so please be understanding when I ask questions about the US or western pop culture. I also do read and google the references made on this blog, however, I have found that quite often, I understand better the explanations given by the beanies, so thank you for taking the time to explain).

B—After watching this episode, I am not only puzzled at how the bracelet works and what rules apply to it, but also the extent of KC’s powers, since he has gumiho’s DNA. It was interesting to see how he came to heal YW. He didn’t know what to do, and the blue lights just showed up, and acted like they were leading him to do something, and he got an idea, and that was how he healed her, with his blood. Why did the blue lights show up then, and how does it work? Was it because he cares about YW and was concerned about her? If that was the case, why didn’t they show up when MS was stabbed? KC loved him too, and MS had been stabbed (and later on, died). I know and understand that MS would be gone, however, I am just curious as to how the blue lights can show up for one person, and not for another, even though KC cares (deeply) for both. I also wonder if the blue lights did not show up for MS because KC was not aware of his gumiho side yet, or if maybe, because he is fated to be with YW, his blood can heal her, and only her? Also, the blue lights show up when he has the bracelet on, really? (So far, we had been shown and had been led to believe that his bracelet had to be taken out for the blue lights to show up). I am a little confused…

C—The other question going on in my head is why KC has scars. I simply do not understand that. When he was stabbed by TS and by GW’s men (in the forest), his skin healed, and the skin on his chest looked as smooth as a baby’s bottom. There were no scars there. I would assume that when those blue lights show up and do their blue light s magic on his skin, his whole skin would become as smooth as a baby’s bottom. I was glad that YW could see the scars (both times, and so that she would know what he did for her)), however those healing sessions seem to be arbitrary or have a few exceptions. It is obvious by now, that I would like (very much) to get my hands on the manual about the blue lights and on the extent of KC’s powers, except I won’t/can’t, :-(

Now, on to some of my thoughts:

I loved LSG/KC in this episode. To know that KC can be boisterous, likes to bicker and argue (and sometimes fight), and how playful he had been with YW, to then seeing him so shy, so self conscious, and so awkward was so adorable!!! I love it when KC is at a loss for words in YW’s presence and how flustered they are around each other now. I loved seeing that side of KC with YW, and I love how protective he is of her and how much he cares about her (though he is not in love with her yet). Those two keep saving each other’s lives, and I can’t help but wonder how many more times that will happen, before the drama is over. I am probably going to over use the verb love, however there were so many scenes I really loved in this episode.

My blood pressure literally rose during the fight with TS, and I wanted him to win so badly. Then I thought, we have 14 more episodes to go, and the writer is upping the ante, and that is good. As much as I hate bad minion and GW, I will admit that I see their roles/purposes in the drama, and that they are doing a great job at being despicable. I have seen pictures of GW (Lee Sung-Jae), and he is quite attractive, though GW is not. Great job, LSJ. That scene when GW tried to kiss CJ, very creepy…

When GW was told about the money, I kept wanting LSS to show up, and pull something from his sleeves, like when he saved KC from being executed (I think). I had never missed a 2ndary character that much. I kept saying, “where are you LSS, you need to show up.” I was so nervous. When they finally showed him, I was sooooo happy (and his voice, oh my! He should totally do radio, read documentaries and do theater. Maybe he does… I totally love his voice :-) ).

The way the heist worked out made me want to do a fist pump and a little dance!!!! Was I the only one who wanted to say, “In. Your. Face, GW!!!!!!!!” when KC marched in, with the money? I clapped for writernim (sp?) and I thought, “seriously, KC and the good guys in this drama were awesome in this episode. T hey were simply gold :-).“ I love it every time GW and LSS have a showdown, and LSS wins or gets the upper hand, so satisfying…

The whole verbal exchange between KC and GW and GW’s minion was sweeter than my favorite dessert, (and I like sweets). When KC told the minion, “don’t you know? I am not human,” and he turned and smiled at GW, and walked away, that moment was precious. For one thing, KC knew that GW and his minion suspect there is something different about him (supernatural powers), and 2—GW and his minions had just been put in their place, check mate!

KC in that scene had the same walk that Jae-ha had in ep. 20, when he was leaving the prison, after he had gone to visit Bong-gu. I was reminded of the last sentence GF wrote in her commentary (in ep. 20 of TK2Hs), she wanted Jae-ha to say “I am king (to Bong-gu) as he left. It felt the same to me, when KC got closer to the head minion and said, “don’t you know, I am not human.” Very satisfying.

The success of the prison heist brought back to my mind the words of Lady Park, as she was dying, that GW might have the 100 Year Inn, but he would never be its owner. The heist would not have worked/succeeded, had the servants not stayed loyal to MS and to KC. They have been loyal all along, since MS died, and they made a difference during the heist (I so love Choi and OK-man, by the way). Even in .his death/after he is dead, MS is still reaping the benefits of taking KC in (when he was a baby) and of treating (his) people well, in general. His wish, to help LSS build the ships was fulfilled.

I have said this in another recap, however, I am really loving the development in the relationship between LSS and KC, which mirrors the relationship KC had with MS. MS protected KC by giving him a home when he was a baby, and a family. MS also stood up for KC and help him have some self confidence, when KC was ridiculed, as a child. In return, KC brought good fortune to MS (and to his family) and KC protected his adopted family and the Inn. The same thing is happening with LSS: he has protected KC and put his name (and his job) on the line for him, he has saved him (from being executed and from giving up), and in return, KC is bringing him good fortune. Also, both men challenge KC to use more than his fists, to use his brain, to better himself in all aspects, to understand what it means to be a human (being) and behave like one. Both men are helping shape KC into what he will be as a human. I love the line DPJ told Gon, about LSS leading KC into being a man (or something along those lines). In that respect, KC reminds me of Jae-ha, who was shaped into a king by the people around him.

Finally, I was a little surprise to find out that KC does not forget what happens when he is in his gumiho state. When he is out of it (the gumiho state), he remembers the events, it is not a split personality thing, which I thought it would be. I am also glad to see that SR is still helping DPJ, like she helped him 20 years earlier, with SH. They have a good relationship, still. And last (but not least), I am really hoping that GW won’t be able to sleep with CJ, at all. And when TS begged KC to help CJ, I wondered if he was being sincere, or if he was tricking KC…

May 8, 2013 at 1:01 PM

UNREGISTERED

Hi Ivoire~

This is my first time posting here on DB but I'm always reading comments. :)

I think the blue lights only works for KC and YW because they're fated to be together. Just like how it was with WR and SW. Wasn't it when SW was about to kill herself with a pin blue lights surrounded her and SR was also there before she passed out on his arms. I also think it's because YW and SW had the power to tame the gumihos unlike any other person. So in a way they'd also get control over their powers (?)

Also, I think KC only has scars left from when he's had the bracelet on. Like when he was little with the dog when he was saving YW. He had the bracelet on but his wounds healed but it left a scar. Same thing with what happened now, he cut himself to save YW he had the bracelet on as well. It's different from when YW took out the bracelet and helped heal him when he was stabbed by TS.

I only watched this episode so far and I've been relying mostly on the Recaps by GF. If I made a mistake, I apologize. I was really hesitant to watch it due to JGW's creepiness and sometimes the dramatic scenes are a little too much for me. But I like the scenes that are light hearted :) and this episode was pretty watchable. I might really watch the whole series later but just skip the dramatic scenes I don't like. hehe

May 8, 2013 at 1:47 PM

UNREGISTERED

Ivoire- I'm pretty sure "Zeppo" was referring to that episode of Buffy. I think the term comes from an older show but I think it's more well known through Buffy. In the Buffy episode they focus on a character who normally sits on the sidelines of all the action and have the more typical, epic stuff going on in the background. It's a hilarious episode and I think the reference is really fitting.

May 8, 2013 at 5:34 PM

UNREGISTERED

Hello ayen03, and welcome!

I am so glad you decided to delurk and join in the conversation. Thank you for reading my (long) comment. I also feel extra tickled because your first time posting on DB coincides with responding to one of my comments, Kyaaaaaa!!!!! :-)

Regarding your 1st paragraph, you make a good point, which makes sense. I wonder if the writer will address how the blue lights work or if we are going to have to figure that out for ourselves, as we watch the drama (and that would leave the door open to a lot of interpretations, since different viewers would have different readings on how the blue lights work). I definitely think it is an aspect the writer should address.

You are right about the blue lights showing up when SH wanted to kill herself, and she fainted in WR's arms, I had forgotten about that. So SW was definitely fated to be with WR, problem was, she didn't believe that he truly loved her (she only realized it too late) and she could not get past her fears of him as a gumiho, which made their story tragic, as we know.

YW as you mentioned (and as we know, based on the posters, and characters' descriptions) is fated to be with KC (and the whole being together by/under the peach tree on a certain night [something to do with the moon] confirmed it, I guess). We also know that she has been reacting differently from SH when she found out about KC's gumiho's side, and that she is falling in love with him. I like your whole point about YW and SH having some control over their love interests' powers, because it is true. We didn't really see it with SH (she didn't really try), however we saw it with YW, twice. The 1st time in the Moonlight Garden, when KC was processing the new info about himself as a gumiho (and the color of his eyes changed briefly), and the 2nd time this week, when she talked him into letting her place the bracelet back on his wrist (such a cool scene. YW can be a cool cucumber at times).
I like that the women they love can get to them in that way, it allows the women to protect them, to an extent and somewhat makes the women more equal to the guys in the equation.

You know, you just helped me understand how the bracelet works (I think): when KC has it on, his gumiho side is dormant and his human side is dominant. That means that if KC gets wounded, he will heal like humans do, slowly and wounds will leave scars, which makes sense. As a child, he always had the bracelet on, hence the scars from the dog's bites, from when he saved YW from being stabbed (during the fight with the ninjas, when he stopped the sword with his arm), and the scar from his recent wound in this episode, in his hand.
When his bracelet is removed or falls, he self heals, like the incident when he was a baby and the bracelet was temporarily off of him (it fell I think) and the wound on his head healed, by itself. Same when he was in the forest with GW's men and when YW removed his bracelet. His gumiho side was dominant then and the blue lights showed up and he healed. Very good point, ayen03, I am so glad I asked those questions :-).

Now for when the bracelet would become red, I am going to speculate that when KC becomes very angry or agitated, the bracelet can barely contain his gumiho side (which is also stronger than his human side), and the bracelet then glows, which was what GW's head minion had noticed. As I said, I am just speculating, so anyone, please feel free to chime in and share your thoughts as well.

You said this, "If I made a mistake, I apologize." Thanks, however, I don't think you made any, and 2nd, you were just sharing your thoughts, nothing wrong there :-). You are fine.

I am curious about the dramatic scenes that seem to have overwhelmed you. Could you give me a few examples, please? I wish you could watch the whole drama now, and join us in our discussions, because as I have said earlier, you make some really good points. I loved reading what you had to say. I also respect that you have to do what works for you and watch what you can handle. I do hope to read more of your comments during the airing of this drama :-)...

May 8, 2013 at 8:23 PM

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Yay! I'm glad that you understood what I meant :) hahaha... sometimes, it's hard for me to put my thoughts into paragraphs that's why I've been used to just reading other people's POV's until someone actually notices what I've noticed all along. Hahaha...

Oh and the bracelet turning red. I agree with you because that doesn't only happen to KC it also happened with WR before. When WR got really angry or agitated, it turned red. It's sort of a warning in a way that they'll turn into a gumiho.
I also believe that the lights will turn into green when they confirm their feelings or if they'll do romantic scenes. Again, this is like how it was with SW and WR - it turned green when WR proposed to SW and also when they were on their honeymoon making baby KC. LOL!
So I guess, we'll know if KC is already in love with YW when the lights turn green. As of now, it's still blue so I guess, it's just a confirmation that KC is a gumiho and that YW and him are fated.

Regarding the healing powers of the blue lights, I think it can be used to heal other people too but KC has yet to find out how to do that and how to control it without cutting himself all the time. But I also think that the lights recognizes the people the gumihos are fated with thus the lights itself showed up and came to help KC when YW needed it. That's just my speculation.

Well, the scenes I couldn't handle are not all totally dramatic per se. It's just that I can't handle pure evilness like what JGW's character is doing. Also, his character is very creepy and that's very uncomfortable for me, personally. I also don't like CJ being such a typical damsel in distress. I have this feeling that later on I will not like her character for some reason.

And I'm really curious how WR will come back to the show. Wasn't that posted here on DB that he'll be back for another cameo? Would it be like how Mufasa showed up to Simba in The Lion King? Will he just show up to show KC what his true powers and ability can do when KC is very vulnerable and at a loss? Like maybe when KC is torn between giving up his gumiho side for YW? I mean, I can already see that YW-KC will take a different route that the SW-WR one. But of course, they have to suffer the same consequences somehow. And I'm wondering if that's when WR will come back.

May 9, 2013 at 5:24 AM

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Hi Ayen03, I meant to respond last night (loved your comments again), but I fell asleep, sorry :-(. Please check back later tonight or tomorrow. I will respond, promise. Same goes for Pogo and Sorrysarah...

Ayen03, I am on DB's time, so when I say morning or evening or night, I mean the time you see posted here, FYI. Thanks!

May 9, 2013 at 7:41 AM

May 9, 2013 at 6:26 PM

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Hello ayen03,

I hope you will be checking this page and that you will see my response. Thank you for your long comment. On to responding then...

I would like to start with the blue lights again, and as I thought about them, I realized why I wondered why they didn't heal KC's whole body. When he was in the forest (with GW's men), the blue lights showed up, and they seemed to be hovering all over his body, which made me think that they would heal any wound he had over his body, AND smooth over any scar he might have had, even if those scars were old. With your explanations, rethinking what I/we saw in ep. 9 and rethinking the ep. in the forest, I can see how the blue lights only heal the current wound, and do not smooth over any past scars he might have had. I do have to say that it feels confusing though (because again, in the forest, the blue lights did seem to be all over his body), and I wish the viewer was not left to him/herself as far as figuring out how the blue lights and the bracelet and the magic (for the bad guys) work. I hope I am making sense in this paragraph, because I know what I am trying to say, and I hope it is coming across clearly.

Re: your 1st paragraph (I am going to list your paragraphs in my response), I totally understood what you meant (all of it) and I am glad you decided to respond. I also think that you should continue to respond or/and write your own post. You are very observant, you notice details (which I LOVE), and you think through the drama and you make sense of what is happening in the drama. What's not to love about your responses? Nothing, if you ask me. So please, keep on contributing your thoughts about this drama and the episodes to come.

2nd #: I don't think WR wore the bracelet. I don't remember him wearing one. I do remember SJ (the monk) throwing it at his wrist when he flew to go and save SH (when she was tied to the tree), and that stopped WR's powers and he fell. I don't remember him wearing it in the 1st 2 ep. It seems as if WR didn't need to, since he was mostly in the forest and he didn't meddle in human affairs, only when SH showed up. Check those 1st 2 ep. and please let me know what you think.

Thank you for letting me know about the lights turning green, I am planning on rewatching e. 1-8 (with subs this time) and I will be paying attention. About the making of baby KC, I watched that ep. raw the 1st time, and then read a recap about that ep. that had come out early. When WR and SH consummated their wedding, that recapper wrote, " thus commenced baby KC making" :-). Now, every time I see a video of the GFB OST with that scene in it, I always think about the baby making time (and sentence) and I smile, I can't help it. It was a lovely scene, I must say. They didn't show too much, yet it was very gentle, tender and sensual without being tawdry (with WR kissing SH's slave tattoo, as if to say, "I saved you, you are no longer a slave." It was as if WR was kissing SH's heartbreaks away. I loved that scene).

I am very curious about this theory on the blue lights turning green, and I will be paying attention, from now on. I do hope that you are right, however. Thank you for mentioning that.

Re: the healing powers of the blue lights (and how they recognize the fated love girl/woman), I love your speculation, and I hope that you are right. Again, I wish the writer would somehow let us know how things work in this drama. Maybe she herself doesn't know it all and she is making it up as she is going along. Help us understand, please, writernim!!!!!

Re: JGW, if you can't handle his evilness, it means he is doing a really good job (which he actually is). It helps me to know that this is just a drama, and most villains in dramas and movies are usually nothing like their characters. This also helped me: http://asianwiki.com/Lee_Sung-Jae
You should look at it, and read it and see that the actor sounds quite awesome and he is actually cute. Read the comments as well. Apparently, he was in another drama (or a movie?) and he was very different in it, than he is here. Even commenters here have said so. I really do hope that you will watch the drama, because then you get to really see every scene and read every line and I would really LOVE to continue reading your POVs on the drama. (Have I convinced you yet? :-) ).

Re: CJ, she is not a damsel in distress, she just acts like one. She actually has an ally in SR who has been giving her great pieces of advice. Now, if she would only take them and apply them, she could help bring the bad guys down, as one commenter suggested. CJ is supposed to turn against KC and use the feelings he has for her (I don't know that she is supposed to turn against him, but the synopsis or character description said that she will use KC, which hasn't happened yet). I am still waiting to see if she will join the bad guys, and if she does, why.

Yes, WR will be back, in ep. 12 (so next week probably). I don't believe he is dead, I don't think he died. Remember that the blue lights showed up when he went up in the air, and that the grass covered him when he was on the ground. Nature is his friend, he has protected it for 1000s of years. Those grass leaves showed up when WR needed them (protecting him and SH) and protected KC and YW as well. The show had already said he will be back, I am just waiting to see how that will happen (what scene). Also, ***SPOILER*** but not really because it was also posted and commenters have been talking about it, he will be back as a demon, which makes sense, since that was the sentence for failing to become human, remember? He is supposed to be against KC, his own son and do something else, for KC. Let me know if you mind/don't mind being spoiled and want to know more...

I saw the Lion King a loooooong time ago. Could you please remind me of how this "Would it be like how Mufasa showed up to Simba in The Lion King? " happened again? (Was it in a dream?)

This, "Will he just show up to show KC what his true powers and ability can do when KC is very vulnerable and at a loss?" I don't think will happen, at least not right away.

About this, "I mean, I can already see that YW-KC will take a different route that the SW-WR one. But of course, they have to suffer the same consequences somehow. And I’m wondering if that’s when WR will come back."
I agree with you, I do think that YW and KC already have a different arc. I also do feel that YW and KC will have their angst and sad moments. I don't know if they might be separated at some point (it is a Kdrama after all), and I don't envision a nice walk in the park with pretty flowers for the next 14 ep. They are going to hurt at some point, and we will hurt with them.

I have a question for you: in ep. 2, when WR dug his hand and nails in SH's shoulder and hurt/wounded her (before he was struck with DPJ's sword), do you think he meant to hurt her? We find out later that he didn't intent to kill her, though it looked that way for a few mns, and I still feel puzzled about that scene when he dug his nails in her shoulder (that hurt and she was wounded). So I am thinking, "what was the reason/point here? What am I supposed to make/think of that scene?" What is your take on it?

May 9, 2013 at 6:30 PM

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Hello ayen03,
I just posted a response, and my comment is awaiting moderation (I think JB or GF need to look at it and make sure it is OK. I have a link in it, maybe that 's why), so you might not be able to read it right now. Please check back here a few times, to see when it does get posted. I think you will like my response, and it is quite long :-)

May 14, 2013 at 12:50 AM

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sorry for butt in just like this guys.. but still.. i dont get it..lol.. love? ..idea ?..flashback ? i don t see any connection how he knw his blood can cure her.. ? he know nothing about his past and what the hell is gumiho ? lol.. what am saying is this drama is good enjoyable to watch but lack info from script writers about this creature.. :) reason that vampires and werewolf so famous because the idea how bring up this creature image so beautiful and powerful who living among human kind even is just a storyfolks and some called it legend and myths right ?.. can korean people bring up about gumiho with logic thinking and bring up how great gumiho are?.. sorry my english awful ! anyway this drama is great but for me a bit sad cuz i dont see any great about gumiho creature.. sorry just saying ..no heart feeling okay? just wishing this drama with good ending.. out of 12 korean drama i watch only 3 good ending.. have a great day guys! thanks for recap and thanks for sharing idea for Gu family book

May 8, 2013 at 2:27 PM

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Hey Ivoire!

I'm pretty sure the Zeppo reference is about that Buffy episode, where Xander feels useless (like a Zeppo) but then actually saves the day, ha. I loved that show, you should definitely watch it sometime if you can (and if you like fantasy sageuks, you'll like this too - Buffy is kind of like a better-executed Yeo-wool, and played by a far more competent actress)

re: B and C - I found the blue lights interesting too, but the rules of this world don't seem to be very clear. Do the lights heal your love interest then? And do they only work on immediate scars, and leave old ones alone? I hate when I have to wonder about little things like this, it pulls me out of the story.

For all the attention this story pays to Park Mu-seol and LSS as Kang-chi's surrogate fathers, it's been kind of ignoring/sidelining poor Choi, who is legally Kang-chi's ACTUAL father - I was glad to see more of him this ep, and liked his part in the heist. (and the heist was kick-ass, too, as was the final wheeling in of the silver). I guess PMS was more the 'father figure' to KC and Choi just took care of him, but still. Not fair, story.

I like Yeo-wool a lot better this episode (the romantic-ish scenes meant to show off chemistry still miss the mark, Suzy is a lot better but the doe-eyed expression is not her friend). Like I said before, she's an awesome character and I'd ship them hard if this was a book, but there's still something lacking about her - and it's good the drama is sticking to cute/friendly with them right now instead of making it charged. Gon may be one-note, but she actually has chemistry with Sung Joon, which will of course be wasted because of Second Lead Syndrome.

As for CJ.....she is not a damsel in distress, despite filling the role of one. Poor girl had nothing to do except suffer in (mostly) silence this ep, I even preferred the bullying storyline of ep 9 because it showed her dealing with the realities of her new life alone. And she's better than this, she's definitely not weak.

May 12, 2013 at 10:22 AM

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The reference to "Zeppo" in Buffy was actually a reference to the Marx Brothers. When Cordelia tells Xander he's "the Zeppo", she's saying he's the useless one that no one notices or remembers. The three eldest Marx Brothers -- Harpo, Groucho, Chicho -- are remembered best; Gummo was kind of in there. Zeppo was just the oddball. He was the straight man plus he was classically handsome compared to his goofy brothers. (He was also the youngest.) He ended up kind of being the 'spare' brother to some degree, without much substance of a role, and mostly he gets to be the butt of his brother's jokes about being the best-looking one.

The twist in the Buffy take -- and the source of a 'Zeppo Moment' -- is that Xander is good for only one thing, and that one thing's not worth much. If the original Zeppo was eye-candy, Xander is humor-candy. Except at the same time (in that particular episode), he also saves everyone's lives, and no one knows or notices because it's just assumed he's, well, useless. Zeppo -- despite being the butt of his brother's jokes and seen as only eye-candy -- was not just valuable, but absolutely *crucial* to the brothers' success. Without him, they would not have been so successful. It's the same with Xander and the Scoobies; if not for him, the rest would actually be dead, yet he gets no accolades nor does he seek them.

So a Zeppo Moment is when someone -- almost always someone written off by others (and often the person as well) as useless, and/or contributing only one minor thing (looks, humor, brawn, etc) -- then turns around and saves everyone's bacon. But specifically does it in such a way that the person not only gets no acclaim, but most often isn't even realized to have been what saved the day -- if anyone even realizes the day was in need of saving. (The Buffy riff added the element of the Zeppo's win also requiring great potential risk for the Zeppo himself, if things went wrong.) And more importantly, the Zeppo never tells anyone, either, continuing to accept that superficial appearance of being good for just one thing.

I'm not entirely certain this was a Zeppo Moment for Kang Chi, since he did get to waltz in with the silver, and he got the hat. There was recognition he saved the day, even if not everyone knows the exact details. Plus, Kang Chi has magic, which renders him noticeable to several other characters, so he can't fade into the background the way the Zeppo does. It's really hard to pull off a Zeppo Moment, since it requires a character who's devalued both by the entire rest of the cast AND the audience. It seems to me that K-drama writers don't quite have the luxury to do that, b/c they're filming live so the audience's impatience with a useless character would force them to either step up and give the character purpose/use, or just write the character out. You kind of need a longer exposure to really see the full Zeppo effect in a sidekick.

May 12, 2013 at 4:53 PM

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Hello kaigou,

And thank you so much for your detailed and thorough explanation of what a Zeppo is. I really honestly appreciate your time and effort in explaining that to me and to anyone who will happen to read this page. As you know, many people read DB and yet do not necessarily comment, so we never fully know how much people learn in the process of visiting/reading this blog. I know I do and I feel grateful for it.

Your explanation was perfect for someone like me who LOVES details. By the time I was done reading, I knew exactly what you meant and I TOTALLY understood what you meant as well. Thank you again!!!! I know of the Marx Brothers, however, I am not familiar with their work, so I learned about them as well while reading your response.

Based on what you said, I also question if what happened with KC was a Zeppo moment/experience, because, as a commenter said, KC/LSG is the drama, so he is made to be important already. Even in the drama, many people relied on KC, lord Park, his wife (before she died), TS, CJ, the town people, the Inn people, LSS (after he got to know him/his heart), the teacher (Gon Dal [sp?]) and DPJ (to an extent) and YW (who also trusts him, wholeheartedly). And the expectations they had of KC makes him important, in the drama. Even GW wants him, if he could have him.

Also, as you mentioned, KC did get to waltz in in front of SB (the head minion of GW) and in front of GW. So, there was recognition from GW and his head minion (even if it was not stated), from LSS, from the teacher, YW, DPJ, Gon, the Inn people, the people at the Institute (DPJ's school) and even TS, who knew what happened.

I also agree with the point you made about Korean writers (of Kdramas) not being able to pull a Zeppo effect, due to how they shoot dramas in SK. Besides, KC is definitely not a sidekick, which is also what a Zeppo is, right?

I also wanted to disagree with GF who indicated that KC was motivated by the bet he made with the teacher for the heist. While I think it played a role, I personally believe that it was bigger and more than that. The bet might have played a role, however when KC brought the silver to LSS, he said that any wish of the late lord Park was his duty to fulfill. That was important to KC and I saw it and felt it at that moment. That to me felt like an important scene and an indication as well of why KC had pushed through and worked on making the heist happen and succeed (with the help of others, mind you). He would do anything for his "dad," and he knew that LSS getting the money was extremely important (as a whole, and to lord Park).
Getting the meal was a small recompense, one he was happy to receive and one he looked forward to, mind you. I think the teacher is one of those people who know how to direct KC, and get him to do things, just like lord Park knew how to get to KC (the way he stood up for KC when he was teased moved KC tremendously), and so does LSS. YW seems to have the ability to do so to an extent, I hope and think that hers will grow as time goes by.

I know I say "thank you" a lot, however, I do appreciate you being a part of this conversation and understanding of the drama. Please, continue to do so.

May 7, 2013 at 9:35 PM

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But at least that hairstyle MADE him exude character and attitude, you know, as oppose to this sloppy mess. I'd take that hair over this one anytime. I feel like that what they're going for is unruly, unkempt hair, a-la Geohro in Sungkyunkwan Scandal, but fell short, literally and figuratively. Now, if they could just add some extensions here and there...

May 7, 2013 at 10:16 PM

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Yes. This is what I thought too!! Kinda like in the old days when the star of the show demanded that no one on the set be better dressed, or skinner, or had better lines. I'm not saying LSG did this but maybe the stylist are trying to uglyfy Gon so we pay more attention to the rest of cast instead of just how hot SJ is..

May 7, 2013 at 10:27 PM

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Okay. He's a good looking guy, but not so good looking they have to ruin his looks for fear for everyone being too mesmerized to pay attention to anything else. They just barely figured LSG's hair was terrible and fixed it. I think SJ's new wig is an attempt to do the same. Didn't work too well.

They are doing a good job at nobody paying attention to him by making his character so one-note and friendzoned without added ugly hair intentionally.

May 8, 2013 at 1:36 PM

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I don't think it's about Sung Joon's attratctiveness so much as Sung Joon's attractiveness compared to LSG.

Still, ugly hair or not, I don't care - Gon and Kang-chi have fantastic chemistry and the actors play off each other really well even if Gon is stuck in a single register, all I pray for is that they get more scenes together.

May 8, 2013 at 4:12 PM

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@pogo

Attractiveness is subjective though. LSG isn't suffering from lack of people finding him attractive. It's not like SJ is Won Bin level or something either.

I seriously just don't think they are purposely making him look bad. Other than making him appear shorter than he actually is so he doesn't tower over the whole cast. But yes, they do have good chemistry. I hope they do more with Gon than they have so far.

May 8, 2013 at 8:10 PM

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@lemondoodle - I wasn't saying he was Won Bin levels either, but he and LSG are kind of similar on the attractiveness scale for me so I can see how someone else might think so too. But like I said, it doesn't matter.

May 7, 2013 at 8:11 PM

May 7, 2013 at 8:17 PM

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when did tae-seo develop those sword skills? i thought he was supposed the nerdy, afraid of girls character but he was doing pretty well against like 8 guys.
anyway, this ep was super zippy because of the heist sequence. i hope they keep up this level of energy to the show, but i feel like next week might get slow cause of the whole CJ rescuing part

May 7, 2013 at 9:45 PM

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It was only bumbling because this show isn't about the fight scenes; they're all pretty lame to be honest. If he doesn't die fighting 8 guys, that equals good. I was wondering where he got the sword "skills," too, as it may be believable that he picked up a sword here in there as a noble's son, but it was clear that Kang-chi was the protector of the house. Just another thing to wave off for the sake of the overarching story.

May 7, 2013 at 10:29 PM

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Tae Seo! Just as KC was mad-frustrated w him for being under a hypnotic spell, and yelled for him to come to grips, that they didn't risk their lives to save him so that he could be a stabby fool, I feel the same way. Knowing full well that he's been hypnotized, he goes off to kill his hypnotic master! Good thinking, boy!
When faced w Evil Lord, he sure talks big, but one mention of his sister n he crumbles. As GF said, did he not know that his sis has been sent to a brothel all along?
And does he have to be the one who points the way to the treasures? Oh, now he wants KC to take his sis away. Where to? What is KC supposed to do w her after that? He didn't say.
I've totally lost respect for him, n thus interest.
Pls don't let him do any more damage to the plans of the good guys!

May 7, 2013 at 9:22 PM

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If only they could rescue CJ like they did the heist I might enjoy it. I wish they would stop with the moping every time CJ and TS come on. I want to like them better but they are just so tragic I feel depressed when I see them on screen.

Second that YW is awesome (dunno if I want her for President. I think LSS is actually better fitted for that role since he's actually, yunno, strategic HAHA) and I want more YW KC moments! He really is like a big puppy around her!

May 7, 2013 at 10:33 PM

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Impotent and tragic! TS and CJ, a pair of 'damsels' in distress, waiting to be rescued by the 3 musketeers - KC, YW, and Gon!
Waiting for CJ to grow up, stop feeling sorry for herself, do as Head gisaeng said, to grab the opportunity to step up to the plate, and use Evil Lord's attraction to her to do her part in helping the good guys bring him down!

May 7, 2013 at 10:50 PM

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TS and CJ are both kind of like SH. Everyone suffering and helping them while they don't stand up and do much for themselves. I thought CJ was well on her way to doing that, but she's not there yet. And yes, CJ should definitely use his feelings against him. They really need to do their part in this whole thing...

May 8, 2013 at 2:11 AM

May 8, 2013 at 8:24 AM

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I had hopes that CJ would start to take control over her own life - I hate the whole damsel in distress thing, and to rescue her really begs the question - what would she do then? She has no home, she has no skills, she has no family. TS really annoys me, because hypnotised or not his thinking is juvenile and unhelpful.

May 8, 2013 at 1:55 PM

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Well, CJ did choose to stay behind at the gisaeng house so KC wouldn't be turned into a fugitive for taking her out/be killed (and also so he could clear her father's name and get her out legitimately), and I thought she was doing pretty well last ep with standing up to the bullying/trying to cope with life as a gisaeng servant and not complaining, but ep 10 gives her nothing to do except sit and be leched at by Resident Evil.

Which doesn't really make her passive, imo, but it's easy to feel what she's feeling. I hope ep 11 gives her more to do, because the gisaeng house arc before this episode was actually giving her some small degree of agency - which promptly gets taken away every time JGW arrives on the scene. I get that it's a natural dichotomy for a gisaeng, but it is no fun to watch her scared and repulsed, when what I really want to see is her giving Wol-sun some cheeky retorts.

May 7, 2013 at 10:46 PM

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Hopefully we will, as there's more than 10 ep to go :P
And might I add that I now I can say confidently that I like the YW KC pairing more than the CJ KC pairing. I wonder whether other people still think the first pairing was better.
I personally wanted to wait until Kang chi actually finds out that Yeo wool was a girl before judging and now I have LOL.

May 7, 2013 at 8:25 PM

May 7, 2013 at 8:27 PM

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Not sure where they are going with CJ since I don't think she can actually leave where she is, but I don't see how she can stay either. There needs to be something to tone down GW creepiness a few notches. The end seems like an obvious trap to catch KC and/or to hurt LSS since he's responsible for him. TS turning one everyone would actually be pretty interesting.

YW and KC are seriously great together. Love their dynamic and love that Kangchi didn't treat her any differently other than being slightly awkward around her. I can totally see where this is going though. He's going to be caught between his loyalty to CJ/TS and his upcoming love for YW. I hope the siblings don't use him too much... I want to keep the bromance alive man.

Also love the old man and Kangchi together. They are both lovable idiots, but I'm glad Kangchi finally got his moment to use his brain (and his gumiho powers came in handy) for once. GW is maaad now though which won't be pretty.

May 7, 2013 at 8:41 PM

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Just a thought, since CJ obviously won't be with KC, maybe they'll make it so that once its all over and they've got the Hundred Years Inn back, CJ will choose to stay as a gisaeng in order to train up and become a madame like Soo-Ryun? It seems like a weird thing for a highborn lady to do, but it would kind of give her character an arc, going from this girl who was content to be married off for her family (even if it meant abandoning her first love), to someone who chooses to live more freely.

May 7, 2013 at 10:37 PM

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GW sure is ugly creepy despicable in this drama. I'm sure glad I watched Rascal Sons before this drama started. The same actor played a sweet gentle yielding person in RS. He is like a totally diff person here. Really appreciate his excellent acting. Check out Rascal Sons for an ep or two to see the sharp contrast. Hardly seems like he's the same person.

May 8, 2013 at 1:56 PM

May 8, 2013 at 2:12 PM

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Yeah, I thought they were moving towards the possibility of giving CJ a role of her own within the gisaeng house but that's difficult considering the reason she was sold there in the first place. They need to make up their minds about which direction they'll go - I don't think this makes her a passive character, but I do hope she doesn't stay as stuck as she was this ep.

Because CJ, as she started out, might have had the role of a damsel in distress but didn't really behave like one - she's strong in her own way, and I don't want her to end up weakened, we need to go back to seeing her do things other than cry.

May 7, 2013 at 10:40 PM

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I think LSG is fantastic here playing up the teenage, guileless, mischievous misunderstood outcast with a heart of gold. Can't imagine anyone else in this role. As @someone says in 12.2, he is the drama.

May 7, 2013 at 8:37 PM

May 7, 2013 at 8:33 PM

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Thanks for the recaps! I started up episode 9 today and really enjoyed it, and will watch 10 tomorrow! I couldn't handle the intensity of the beginning, so the recaps are a great way for me to figure out when to jump in and when to skip.

May 7, 2013 at 8:35 PM

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I guess they won't be able to dispatch Jo Gwan-woong until the end of the drama, because then where does the plot go? But maybe they could maneuver it so that Chung-jo starts using her position as a gisaeng that he both lusts after and totally disregards as a way to learn information/ help bring him down, like how Soo-Ryun used her gisaengs to delay him getting information. If she tries to seize control of the situation that way, it'd make for a more satisfying watch.

May 7, 2013 at 9:47 PM

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"But my favorite thing is that it’s then undercut with the bet and the utter ridiculousness of the pair of knuckleheads enjoying their spoils of battle, with zero concern for all the pomp and circumstance that’s going on around them. I just love that stuff. It was this great Zeppo moment—behind the scenes Lee Soon-shin is building turtle ships and making history, and in the foreground a half-gumiho and an old fogey are having a grand ol’ time with a chicken and a hat. Now that’s comedy."

Well put, GF.
They were so cute together. Such great chemistry too. It was so cute seeing the two of them enjoying their 'rewards'! One eating with relish his chicken soup, and the other admiring the hat! Idiotic, yes, but sooo loveable! It's like they carried their chemistry from K2H to GFB!

May 7, 2013 at 8:48 PM

May 7, 2013 at 9:54 PM

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Haha yeah the chicken beer moment came to my mind too. And the fact that they all thought it was good - its really cos 2D1N starves them so almost anything becomes edible! I miss LSG and the old gang of 2D1N! They were insane! Including Na PD!

May 8, 2013 at 10:14 AM

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The story is going on slow and steady all these while but it should pick up pace from next episode onwards. After all, this is already the 10th episode, only 14 eps left for Kang Chi to find the Gu Family Book and become human along with all the other tragedy romantic stuff between him and Yeo Wool.

I feel sad for Tae Seo, also sad for the villain because the former is being controlled by his enemy while the latter is fooled by the good guy. The villain thought too highly of himself, allowing kang Chi to pull the wool over his eyes. But then he'll be more careful of Kang Chi, which spells bad news for the latter, I guess?

Chung Jo is sooo pathetic but glad that Soo-ryun is forcing her to stay stronger and get through her humiliation, which I think is what Soo-ryun went through to get to where she is today...

But there's certainly one strange bit in this ep - i.e. suddenly Gon’s not keeping Yeo Wool's secret as a girl anymore, as if he knew KC has found out about that...

I simply all the interaction Kang Chi had with Master Gong, Yeo Wool and even Gon. With Master Gong, a mentor-student relationship. With Yeo Wool, a romantic relationship and last of all; with Gon, a quarreling relationship with both acting as children *rolls my eyes*

May 8, 2013 at 8:23 PM

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"But there’s certainly one strange bit in this ep – i.e. suddenly Gon’s not keeping Yeo Wool’s secret as a girl anymore, as if he knew KC has found out about that…" <-- I think he already knew that KC knows since YW's hair was undone by the time he arrives in the secret room.

May 7, 2013 at 8:44 PM

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I have been desperately waiting and waiting for this recap to come outso I could gush over it!! I love it when KC just waltzed the silver RIGHT PAST THEM and they couldn't do ANYTHING ABOUT IT! It was brilliant! And I LOVED the fact that it was all motivated...by Lee Soon Shin's hat and samgyetang HAHA I seriously died laughing at that scene. It was all sorts of hilarious and genius.

I'm glad that KC and YW didn't make a big hoo ha about his discovery that she's a girl, albeit those awkward moments of hesitation now whenever they are touching each other - its cute! TS though...frankly, I wish his character could be given some moments of lightness. I get it that he's KC's opposite but his doom and gloom character seriously grates on me after a while. Sigh. And I do wish he would stay out of the bad guys' hands! Poor CJ. I feel for her!

May 7, 2013 at 8:59 PM

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I love that scene too~ The waltzing right pass them with all the treasures~~~ That was so genius!!!

The creep can't do anything at all and nobody need to be blamed for the lost treasures! I was so worried for the workers and KC's "dad" that they would be severely punished and tortured by creep again...

May 7, 2013 at 9:52 PM

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What impresses me about the whole heist, was that KC is probably for the first time using his brains to overcome an adversity. Previously, he was always using brute strength to win. I think this his step towards becoming a human - Animals don't strategise and plan. Humans do.

May 7, 2013 at 9:57 PM

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He's probably always been that smart (street smart not book smart) but if he could he'd use his brawn. Here he particularly impresses cos he uses both brawn (moving all the chests behind the tarp) and brains! It was such an epic moment! I don't think he's any less human than he's always been. Hopefully the drama will make him come to that conclusion too. What LSS said earlier about how people can be human but live like animals - what's important is that heart/desire of wanting to be human.

May 9, 2013 at 2:15 AM

May 9, 2013 at 9:45 PM

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Just goes to show, he's not as dumb and useless as people think, and when you're in a pinch, he's reliable. It makes me so annoyed when people look at him and underestimate him. Loving LSS, though. I think he's the only one who has an inking of KC's potential - humanly speaking.

May 7, 2013 at 8:47 PM

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Lol, poor Tae-Seo... no one seems particularly bothered about what happened to him after Gon left him behind. Also, did no one told him about his sister's whereabouts? I mean, Yeo-Wol is well aware since she told Kang-Chi. What of his mother's news?

May 8, 2013 at 7:02 AM

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It didn't seem to me that he didn't know that CJ is at the gisaeng house. It seemed like he had gone there to check on her, since GW mentioned her. Idk, but maybe he may have been under the illusion that she was 'safe' there and with things happening since his torture, she may have slipped his mind.

May 7, 2013 at 8:48 PM

May 7, 2013 at 8:48 PM

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Thanks for the recap GF!! We do need less of big old baddie GW. We know he's very very evil and very very creepy, no need to overly emphasize it.
[SPOILER: I wonder how would papa gu fit into this villain category, would he be just an underling of GW or is he more than that, I hope it's the latter.]
I seriously get creeps every time creepy villain stares at CJ like that. TS however has a potential to be a really good villain. It seems like he was a secret badass all along! I too loved KC's big hero moment this episode. Seunggi's smirks are too adorable! YW's face when she thinks that KC still truly loves CJ pains me as I sense lots of noble idiocy coming up.

May 7, 2013 at 9:03 PM

May 7, 2013 at 9:06 PM

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Teacher Gong/old fogey and KangChi are adorable.

I agree what you said about the drama faltering during the dark stuff.

I kinda wish that Exposition Monk had been written more like an ObiWan Kenobi mentor character who comically butts heads with Teacher Gong/old Fogey so that, instead of a pair of knuckleheads (KC+old fogey), they form a jolly trio. Ah well, hopefully we'll see more of the 2 (KC+old fogey) throughout the rest of the drama.

May 7, 2013 at 9:10 PM

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Tae Seo's character feels really awkward. I know he's supposed to be under a spell that makes him act all crazy and stabby most of the time, but I just don't see him as anything more than a plot filler, a tool to move the plot along, and sometimes this is done in a really awkward manner. His character just behaves in whatever way is required to fit the story, and even if it seems irrational sometimes (like barging right into the inn even though he's a wanted criminal), the writer just makes him do it anyway and blame everything on the spell. Moreover the spell thing is confusing like GF said yesterday in her recap - he knows he's under a spell but still acts according to it anyway? Can't figure that out.

May 7, 2013 at 9:52 PM

May 8, 2013 at 10:24 AM

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And I don't really like his character. He is acting so whiney like how he looked so ashamed when YW retorted that it is unfair to treat her as a girl so he had tried to prevent her from participating in the mission to get those golds, then crying when he realised he was controlled by the enemy and forced to point the 'truth'... absolutely no confidence in himself. So how could he be the second main actor behind Kang Chi? The writers should writer his character a little stronger instead of t$his whiney.... lol.

May 8, 2013 at 11:22 AM

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I don't like him either. I nominate WR for 2nd lead when he returns since 2nd lead still isn't clear yet. TS is just kind of pathetic and I don't think that's going to change. Both TS and Gon also have no shot of making me believe they have a chance with YW too. So, let's just end that part of the love square since it's just kind of silly and focus on gumiho daddy and baby.

May 7, 2013 at 9:39 PM

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You know, a lot of times, I don't like how people get stuck together, but this time, it made sense. He doesn't want anyone going in or out until he can grasp the situation. Not really super hijinks-y to me. Not watching Tae-seo, on the other hand, for a bunch fo military minds, they're not too bright, eh?

The hat and the chicken made my day and when i saw you loved it, too, that made it even better!

May 7, 2013 at 10:05 PM

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I hope the adventure plots in Gu family book will come. that's actually my expectation when watching this drama- solving cases,fight villains and face the ultimate boss wol ryung. They keep on coming back in the first arc and it kind of bored me.

May 7, 2013 at 10:17 PM

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I'm still very invested in this drama! I love LSG's acting and Suzy's character~! I really hope KC and YW get together sometime in a 4 episode span (b/c I can't wait any longer! They're too cute together!) Gon's jealousy is really portrayed well in these episodes and hopefully it would help KC realize how much he cares for( and possibly love -in the future) YW. This week's episode didn't end on high tension, so it doesn't make the audience want to watch the next episode. The plot is written very well, but in order to keep the viewers' interest ... I wish this episode could've ended with a suspenseful scene to lead to the next week.
Anyway, hopefully the ratings will rise next week! Fighting ♥ LSG and Suzy!

May 7, 2013 at 10:19 PM

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Yup yup yup! Would love more magic display and comic scripting...just tone down the sad and weep a little and Gu Family might just win all the way thru 24 episodes!! Btw love KC's interactions with the older casts here....such chemistry (whether angst, loyalty or plain silliness)! Tks GF for the fun recap?

May 8, 2013 at 11:31 AM

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honestly I don't see how it's NOT a trap. GW gains something because he's evil and gets off on it. Plus LSS gets screwed over if KC gets caught and GW has a chance to kill KC. TS going specifically to KC as if he's the only person in the world who could save CJ just seems suspicious to me. If he actually just wanted to save CJ he would probably go to YW's father since he has connections and the skills to pull it off or at least to get someone who can pull it off.

TS didn't even want KC to be part of the mission to steal the money and now KC is the only person he can ask to save his beloved sister. Something doesn't add up.

May 8, 2013 at 6:13 AM

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I watched it again and saw it the blue lights actually started to fly towards her wound BEFORE he dripped blood on it. Do the gumiho spirits know sth that he doesn't?
And then they left the cut in his palm 'as is'. LOL.

May 8, 2013 at 10:31 AM

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I do think Kang Chi's blood has healing properties but it won't work on himself if he has the bracelet on. I kept on thinking how come the blue lights were flying towards her wound and the first thoughts was on the identity of her mum...

Could her mum be some other mythical beast? Then it can explain why Yeo Wool's dad, LSS and Gon were not that surprised at kang Chi's beast form... these are mysteries that I expect the writer to address them or the story is not complete.

May 8, 2013 at 3:38 PM

May 11, 2013 at 1:39 PM

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Hi, it was Dam Pyeong-Joon (YW's dad) who killed WR, saved SH and knows KC's true identity. LSS is the admiral/naval commander who saved KC from being killed and I think he promised papa/lord Park to keep an eye on KC. LSS never met WR, the dad, I don't think...

May 8, 2013 at 1:24 AM

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Okay I have to say it. Gon's hair makes me think of Shaggy from Scooby Doo.
I wasn't wild about his first do either but now I prefer the weird wavy helmet of hair to this weird look.

I'm already feeling like that last scene basically was set up to trap Kang Chi since the pervy villain's behind it. I just cringe every time he's on my screen in the vicinity of Chung jo.
Can we have more of her learning how to play the drums or even just navigating the gisaeng house ranks and less of her anywhere near Gwan-woong??

May 8, 2013 at 7:18 PM

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Ugh yes, I just feel so uncomfortable with him near her. I just wish she'd have mini dagger like Yeo wool she could use to just stab him and be done with it. I mean we'd have no plot but at least the rapist would be dead!